Can You Swim After Giving Birth? It Depends

Giving birth is a life and body-changing process, and sometimes, the only thing you want is to return to your pre-delivery activities. But, with a slew of recovery symptoms, and trying to acquaint yourself with this new post-baby bod, it's not always an easy transition back to normalcy. Will the pain ever subside? (Yes.) Will you ever feel rested again? (Doubtful.) And, most importantly, with summer looming on the horizon, will you be able to join your family in all the fun activities planned?

Easing Into Postpartum Exercise

Sure you can, including swimming. But let's not joke around — recovering from birth is no easy feat and it should not be taken lightly. As Mayo Clinic noted, post-delivery symptoms can include sore breasts, constipation, vaginal bleeding, "after pains," and hot or cold flashes. Emotional post-delivery symptoms are no picnic either and could include "baby blues" or postpartum depression. Add this to the actual daunting task of caring for a newborn on very little sleep, and you may wonder how you're still standing.

Dr. Mary Kate Lintel, OB-GYN resident at Cleveland Clinic, has a reminder for moms chomping at the bit to get back to their pre-baby exercise routines. “Remember how hard your body has worked recently! Recovery from delivery takes a few weeks, so just make sure if you are swimming, especially athletically, to be kind to yourself and recognize that you will probably fatigue faster, so start slow,” Lintel tells Romper in an interview. It took your body many months to prepare for birth, and it will take some time to recover from that process. If your baby was born via C-section, it could take even longer to recover from than if your baby was delivered vaginally.

The truth, as Mayo Clinic mentioned, is that it took your body many months to prepare for birth, and it will take some time to recover from that process. If your baby was born via C-section, it could take even longer to recover from than if your baby was delivered vaginally.

Risks Of Swimming After Delivery

While you're eager to get back to the pool, you may have to wait a bit. According to Karen Pelone, Nurse Manager of Labor & Delivery at Providence Tarzana Medical Center, most obstetricians recommend six to eight weeks postpartum to recover before resuming swimming. Before this time period, Pelone mentions in an interview with Romper, there is a risk of infection for women recovering from either form of delivery.

Like many pieces of medical advice, however, the specifics often vary from doctor to doctor. Lintel points out that there isn’t a hard and fast rule when it comes to resuming your water activities, and evidence about risks is lacking. “My institution recommends avoiding swimming, baths, and anything in the vagina for four to six weeks following delivery to avoid introducing bacteria and increasing risk of infection, although this risk has never been proven,” says Lintel.

It’s important to pay attention to your body and watch out for any potential red flags as you resume physical activity after welcoming your bundle of joy. Things like extreme fatigue, increased bleeding, and intense pain can all indicate a potential issue. If worrisome symptoms occur, a newly postpartum mama should press pause on the exercise and consult their doctor.

Recovering From A C-Section Versus A Vaginal Delivery

It’s no secret that recovering from a cesarean delivery and a vaginal delivery involve different healing processes, and no two recoveries are identical. Luckily, Lintel says mothers recovering from surgery can typically resume swimming on the same timeline as mothers who delivered vaginally.

“Our restrictions are not extended for women with C-sections,” Lintel explains. “The incision from a C-section should be scarred at seven to 10 days, although still not totally healed, theoretically protecting it from an infection.”

While women should speak with their doctors when navigating their return to postpartum exercise and swimming, a general rule of thumb is to wait until the lochia, or the bleeding and brown discharge after delivery, has subsided. Lochia, or “how your body gets rid of the extra blood and tissue in your uterus that helped your baby grow” per WebMD, can last anywhere from two to six weeks after delivery. When this lochia ceases, Lintel says this is a good indication that the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, has healed, and your uterus has returned to its original state.

The Benefits Of Postpartum Swimming

Brian A. Levine, MD, of CCRM New York, also suggests waiting until lochia (post-delivery vaginal bleeding) has stopped before getting back to the pool. But, after your lochia has subsided, Levine encourages women to swim post-delivery. In an interview with Romper, he says that swimming is a terrific, low-impact, aerobic activity. The buoyancy of the water means there’s less impact on your recovering pelvic floor, as well as your ligaments (which are still loose from the relaxin hormone for months after childbirth).

The benefits of postpartum swimming go beyond physical, however. In a 2019 article published in Evidence-Based Practice, medical researchers at the University of Washington found that postpartum exercise programs result in a statistically significant decrease in depressive symptoms. Additionally, “Women were 54% more likely to experience remission of depression after the exercise intervention,” the researchers stated.

Interestingly enough, swimming offers PPD-related benefits even if the swimming occurred before baby even arrived. In a 2018 study published in the Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, researchers from the University of Granada found that women who participated in moderate physical exercise in an aquatic environment three times a week are at a lower risk of developing postpartum depression after delivery.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that after having a baby, and when cleared by their doctor, a woman should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week. And while it may be hard to spare any of baby’s precious nap time exercising, doing so can actually help boost your energy and improve sleep quality, according to ACOG.

After you have your baby, check with your doctor about getting back to the pool — you may be able to swim sooner than you think. (And indulge in a pool-side margarita.)

Experts:

Dr. Mary Kate Lintel, OB-GYN resident at Cleveland Clinic

Karen Pelone, Nurse Manager of Labor & Delivery at Providence Tarzana Medical Center

Brian A. Levine, MD, CCRM New York

Study referenced:

Aguilar-Cordero M, Sanchez-Garcia J, Rodriguez-Blanque R, Sanchez-Lopez A, Mur-Villar N. (2018) Moderate Physical Activity in an Aquatic Environment During Pregnancy (SWEP Study) and Its Influence in Preventing Postpartum Depression. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, https://ift.tt/3gOYYpG.

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50 Best Pregnancy Quotes That Are Perfect For When You're Expecting

Pregnancy is one of the most life-changing and transformative experiences imaginable, but it’s also a unique experience for every person who goes through it. That’s why the quotes about pregnancy from celebs, comedians, writers, and more cover so much material. There’s big, sweeping reflections on the nature of creation itself, as well as more humbling looks at the many ways pregnancy affects your life (and your body) for quite some time. They’re funny, reflective, and above all seriously honest about what it’s really like be pregnant.

There’s just something so refreshing about people who are willing to talk about what it really feels like to be pregnant. For instance, Kylie Jenner’s pregnancy quotes show that the Instagram star mostly enjoyed the experience, while Amy Schumer’s quotes about pregnancy complications and motherhood illustrate the comedian’s struggles with hyperemisis gravidarum. (Schumer’s use of the #didntpuke tag for one of the better pregnancy days tells you all you need to know.) There’s just so many different experiences with pregnancy, and it’s reassuring to know that your unique journey is probably represented, too. Whether your pregnancy was magical, difficult, or a little bit of both, the heartfelt and relatable quotes about pregnancy will strike a chord.

Relatable Pregnancy Quotes From Celebs

Celebrities talked about their pregnancies in a way that highlights just how different the experience is for everybody. Some people love the whole process, while others just want to meet their baby already.

1. “Everything grows rounder and wider and weirder, and I sit here in the middle of it all and wonder who in the world you will turn out to be.” — Carrie Fisher
2. "Being pregnant was very much like falling in love. You are so open.” — Beyoncé
3. “Getting prepared for something like this is so much fun. I feel like a little kid waiting on Christmas for the day I get to meet my baby. It’s so beautiful and it’s something I’ve always looked forward to.” — Ciara
4. “A part of me isn't like those women who love being pregnant. I love my baby, and I miss that feeling of being attached to him when he's kicking, but I was so ready to not be pregnant.” — Hilary Duff
5. "Everyone thinks they have to baby me . . . Everybody is so sweet and they all whisper around you, like you're going to explode if someone raises their voice. It's a very surreal environment." — Chrissy Teigen
6. “Look at me making a human! I am a goddess!”— Olivia Wilde
7. “It's all worth it in the end, so I would definitely suffer through that, but pregnancy was not a good experience for me. At all.” — Kim Kardashian
8. “I did a lot of work with myself over the course of being pregnant and the first few months of being pregnant. It's nice, the pace of being pregnant; it gives you a long time to not just germinate a baby but germinate the mother that you're gonna be.” — Ani DiFranco
9. “I think the best thing about being pregnant would definitely have to be seeing just my belly grow and seeing, like, wow, there is, you know, something inside of me.” — Tia Mowry
10. "My body is the site of a miracle now." — Kerry Washington
11. “I find a pregnant body to be beautiful and an incredible reminder of what a woman’s body is made to do.” — Kourtney Kardashian
12. “There are two sides to being pregnant. There is the beautiful, wonderful blessing side. The second side — it sucks!” — Tamar Braxton
13. “Let me birth with music playing, with my grandfather's prayer books looking down on me, with my hair flowing, my inhibitions gone, the doors of my home flung wide open as if to say: I am open to this process, World. I was made to birth this baby!” — Mayim Bialik

Sentimental Pregnancy Quotes

Feeling sentimental and find yourself reflecting on your pregnancy journey in awe? These sentimental pregnancy quotes won’t go unnoticed when you share them with a sweet photo of your bump. And if you’re getting ready for your shower, you’ll want to check out these sweet baby shower quotes that are all about celebrating and embracing this special time.

1. “Truthfully, being pregnant is changing me as a person. Each day is part of this amazing journey that has completely shifted the focus of my life and made me reevaluate my personal and professional goals.” — Holly Madison
2. “Making a decision to have a child — it’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” — Elizabeth Stone
3. “Pregnant women! They had that weird frisson, an aura of magic that combined awkwardly with an earthy sense of duty. Mundane, because they were nothing unique on the suburban streets; ethereal because their attention was ever somewhere else.” — Ruth Morgan
4. “Soul and spirit are stretched — along with body — making pregnancy a time of transition, growth, and profound beginnings.” — Anne Christian Buchanan

Funny Pregnancy Quotes

Sometimes laughter is the best option. Here’s how celebs find the lighter side of pregnancy.

Relatable Pregnancy Quotes From Celebrities

1. “Every four weeks I go up a bra size . . . it’s worth being pregnant just for the breasts.” — Natasha Hamilton
2. “Life is tough enough without having someone kick you from the inside.” — Rita Rudner
3. “You can do your job massively pregnant if you choose to go down that road. It’s fine. It’ll be hilarious. It’ll add to your comedy in ways that you never expected. Like when your elbows grow hair for no reason.” — Samathan Bee
4. “I can smell electricity. I swear to God I can smell the TV.” — Amanda Seyfried
5. “Being pregnant finally helped me understand what my true relationship was with my body — meaning that it wasn’t put on this earth to look good in a swimsuit.” — Amy Adams
6. “I feel great. I’m tired, but you know, I’m making a baby here!” — Jessica Simpson
7. “I loved being pregnant — but I don’t want to be outnumbered!” — Kristen Bell, on stopping at two kids

Refreshing Real Pregnancy Quotes From Comedians

1. Comedians are here to talk about all the “things they don’t tell you” when it comes to pregnancy. Mom comics are telling the truth about pregnancy and child care, and audiences are thrilled to have their hot takes.
2. “People don’t tell you about all this sh*t that goes down with your body when you get pregnant, you know? Your nipples get huge and dark. I didn’t know that. I didn’t know that they get dark so that the baby can see, like, a bull’s-eye. So that the baby can find it easier.” — Ali Wong
3. “But all these nutbags in LA, they’re like, ‘Oh, Christina, you gotta have that baby naturally. You gotta do it natural. You gotta give birth naked in a creek. You can bite on branches for the pain. Argh! Well, women have been doing it that way for thousands of years.’ Well, yeah, before drugs were invented.” — Christina Pazsitzky
4. “I wish I could have been there, but all I do is standup and puke right now.” — Amy Schumer, on receiving nominations for People’s Choice Awards
5. “‘Are you having a natural birth?’ I’m just trying to buy a sandwich. Is this complete stranger really asking about my plans re: my vagina?”― Jessi Klein
6. “When I was first pregnant with my son Archie, I didn’t tell anyone, as you are supposed to keep it secret. It’s a really magical time, those first few weeks. It almost makes you wish you didn’t have to tell anyone, ever. You could just watch your belly grow bigger, and no one would be allowed to ask you about it, and you would have your baby and a year later you would allow visitors to finally come and meet your little miracle.” — Amy Poehler

Pregnancy Quotes From Writers

If you want to wax poetic about the whole maternity process, then these quotes from authors about pregnancy will warm your heart. It is a significant part of the human experience, after all.

1. “It's quite clear that out of all of us, I'm certainly not the one in control. I am here to do your bidding, belly and babies. I am your humble servant.” ― Shannon Hale
2. “When you're pregnant, you can think of nothing but having your own body to yourself again, yet after having given birth you realize that the biggest part of you is now somehow external, subject to all sorts of dangers and disappearance, so you spend the rest of your life trying to figure out how to keep it close enough for comfort. That's the strange thing about being a mother: until you have a baby, you don't even realize how much you were missing one.” ― Jodi Picoult, Vanishing Acts
3. “That first pregnancy is a long sea journey to a country where you don't know the language, where land is in sight for such a long time that after a while it's just the horizon - and then one day birds wheel over that dark shape and it's suddenly close, and all you can do is hope like hell that you've had the right shots.” ― Emily Perkins, Novel About My Wife
4. “A mother is always the beginning. She is how things begin.” — Amy Tan
5. “Life is a flame that is always burning itself out, but it catches fire again every time a child is born.” — George Bernard Shaw
6. “Pregnancy seems designed to prepare you for life as a mother. You start making sacrifices nine months before the child is born, so by the time they put in an appearance you are used to giving things up for them.” ― Brett Kiellerop-Morris, My Big Fat Gay Life
7. “There is no right or wrong way to be pregnant, to become a mother, to make a family. There is only one way—your way, which will inevitably be filled with tears, mistakes, doubt, but also joy, relief, triumph, and love.” ― Angela Garbes, Like a Mother: A Feminist Journey Through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy
8. “Life is always a rich and steady time when you are waiting for something to happen or to hatch.” — E.B. White, Charlotte’s Web
9. “The wonder of life begins in the womb of a woman.” ― Lailah Gifty Akita
10. “Those first few weeks are an unearthly season. From the outside you remain so ordinary, no one can tell from looking that you have experienced an earthquake of the soul. You've been torn asunder, invested with an ancient, incomprehensible magic. It's the one thing that we never quite get over: that we contain our own future.” ― Barbara Kingsolver, Animal Dreams
11. “When you moved, I felt squeezed with a wild infatuation and protectiveness. We are one. Nothing, not even death, can change that.” — Suzanne Finnamore, The Zygote Chronicles
12. “The newly minted maternal heart, it completely melted into mush, the oxytocin I know now, had kicked in, and how. I would fight tigers barehanded, climb down cliffs, throw myself in the path of a speeding car, and even do calculus again if I needed to, for this child.” — Kiran Manral, Karmic Kids: The Story of Parenting Nobody Told You

Motivational Pregnancy Quotes

Need a little help to make it through the nine-month journey? These motivational pregnancy quotes will help you find that inner strength.

1. “Let choice whisper in your ear and love murmur in your heart. Be ready. Here comes life.” — Maya Angelou
2. “We have a secret in our culture, and it’s not that birth is painful. It’s that women are strong.” — Laura Stavoe Harm
3. “Childbirth is more admirable than conquest, more amazing than self-defense, and as courageous as either one.” — Gloria Steinem
4. “All pregnant women are warriors. It takes strength just to get up and go to work.” — Camilla Luddington
5. “A baby is something you carry inside you for nine months, in your arms for three years, and in your heart until the day you die.” — Mary Mason
6. “When I was pregnant, I felt filled with life, and I felt really happy. I ate well, and I slept well. I felt much more useful than I’d ever felt before.” — Suzanne Vega
7. “Motherhood is the biggest gamble in the world. It is the glorious life force. It’s huge and scary — it’s an act of infinite optimism.” — Gilda Radner
8. “You never understand life until it grows inside of you.” — Sandra Chami Kassis
9. “Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers — strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength.” — Barbara Katz Rothman

Wherever you are in the pregnancy journey, it’s always helpful to hear from others who’ve already been there. Simply reviewing some quotes about pregnancy from writers, celebs, and comedians will remind you of just how amazing you are for carrying a child.

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How To Make Your House Smell Good Without Chemicals

When trying to make your home feel more warm and inviting, it’s always a good idea to make sure it smells good. Fresh, clean scents give off a luxurious vibe, while something delicious and spiced makes the space feel instantly cozy. If you’d prefer to go the more natural route, there are plenty of creative ways to make your home smell good without chemicals. Spending a little bit of time DIY-ing something can result in a wonderful scent that lingers for hours.

For many, opting for no chemicals usually means ditching candles, which some believe burn off potentially harmful chemicals into the air. It’s worth noting that evidence on this is inconclusive: while one 2009 study found that paraffin wax (which is what most candles are made of) might release potentially dangerous chemicals, another 2014 study looked at the volatile organic compounds released from candles and found that they don’t pose a health risk to consumers.

Still, you might just feel better creating the perfect scent the more natural way, and there’s nothing wrong with that! Not only is it a good way to ensure you know exactly what you’re breathing in, but it also means you can save some money on buying candles. Here are a few ways to make your home smell good without any chemicals:

Zero-Effort Ways To Make Your Home Smell Good

Open A Window

This is definitely the easiest way to make your house smell less stale, and with the warmer weather upon us, it’s a great tip to try. Getting a nice breeze to flow through your house will not only feel amazing, but it also lets out any weird scent or that stale smell that often comes along with keeping the house as insulated as possible during the winter. And, honestly, it feels great! Open a window, take a picture, and serve it up for the ‘gram.

Buy Fresh Flowers

For many people, filling the house with bouquets of fresh flowers regularly is unrealistic. But if you’re having company and you want the house to smell fresh, a few floral arrangements isn’t a bad idea. Be sure to pick flowers that have a scent you enjoy (you might want to avoid anything too strong, like lilies), and just scatter them throughout the rooms you’ll be spending time in. As a bonus, they also make beautiful decor.

Use An Oil Diffuser

Another way to harness the powerful scent of essential oils is with an oil diffuser. They’re very simple to use, and they often emit scents for hours in a perfectly subtle way. You can mix up essential oils or just stick with one scent you really love. Oil diffusers are available in a range of prices and sizes, and some are so pretty that they’ll just look like a piece of decor rather than something meant to make your house smell better.

Put Out Some Eucalyptus

If fresh flowers aren’t going to work for you, but you love the idea, try fresh eucalyptus instead. Not only do the leaves smell lovely, but a vase full of eucalyptus is so beautiful and makes for a perfect sleek, modern bouquet. Stick the vase in your bathroom, kitchen, or living room for a subtle hint of the scent throughout the day. Some even recommend hanging sprigs of eucalyptus in the corner of your shower (don’t get them wet) so that the steam activates their oils and scent. You can even make a freshener on the stovetop with eucalyptus, and bonus: fresh eucalyptus is a bit easier to deal with than flowers and can last about three weeks.

Put Dryer Sheets In Your Garbage Can

Whether it’s full of trash or nearly empty, chances are good that your garbage can is probably emitting some kind of stench. Aside from taking the garbage out regularly, you can also stick some dryer sheets at the bottom of the pail. They’ll absorb some of the odors and make the stink go away a bit. As a side note, also make sure you’re cleaning the actual can regularly.

Deodorize Your Garbage Disposal

Like your garbage can, your garbage disposal could be contributing to any lingering nasty smells in your kitchen. Make those go away by taking old orange or lemon peels, putting them in an ice cube tray with vinegar, and freezing them, recommended Family Freezer. Then run them through your disposal — the ice cubes will help clean it, and the peels offer some fresh, natural scents.

DIY Ways To Make Your Home Smell Good

Make Stovetop Potpourri

Potpourri might have a distinctly grandmother vibe to it, but stovetop potpourri is on a different level. It’s super easy to make, it’s versatile, it smells great for hours, and it will make you feel like a little bit like Martha Stewart (in a very good way). There are tons of combinations you can do, depending on the scent and vibe you’re going for, and there are lots of recipes for this online to check out. One popular option is adding cinnamon sticks, cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and orange slices to pot of water, then simmering for as long as you want. That can smell more Christmas-like, so if you want a super spring scent, try lemon and rosemary, or lime, rosemary, and vanilla.

Make DIY Room Spray

Sometimes a room needs a little freshening up ASAP, and that’s where room spray comes in. Skip the ones filled with unpronounceable ingredients in the store and make your own — it’s surprisingly simple. Again, there are lots of recipes you can find for this online, but it’s also something you can easily create on your own.

The basic idea, according to Amy at Homey Oh My, is to fill a standard size spray bottle with 1/2 cup of distilled water, 1/2 cup of vodka or witch hazel, and then 20 to 30 drops of your favorite essential oils (this can be one or kind or a mix of a few). She has some great ideas, including sandalwood and rose, a citrus blend, and a green tea mixture. She even has some printable labels for you to put on your bottle and perfect your own scented potion.

Deodorize Your Carpets

If you haven’t given your carpets a serious deep clean lately, or if you have pets, then your carpet could be the culprit for any weird scents lingering in the air. Carpets can hold onto bacteria, mold, pollen, and dirt, all of which can create a bad smell after a while. Deodorizing them is so easy and could make a big difference, giving off a fresh and clean scent. Simply grab some baking soda and add a few drops of essential oils to it. Sprinkle it all over your carpet, let it sit for about an hour, and then vacuum it away. Huge difference!

Bake Something

Need a really good reason to make a batch of double chocolate chip cookies? It will make your house smell incredible. Baking something is a delicious way to make your house smell like the most inviting one on the block, and although it’s a temporary fix, who’s to say you can’t do this everyday?

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10 Crafts To Do With Grandparents

These kid-friendly crafts are perfect to do alongside their grandparents. And bonus: you know the grandparents are the ones who want to keep the craft.

View this story on Romper

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New 'Donkey Hodie' Series On PBS Kids Features A Familiar Voice

Who better to bring us a super optimistic, bright and sunny new kids’ show than the voice of Cookie Monster? The talent behind the famous Sesame Street muppet, David Rudman, and his brother, Adam, are the masterminds behind a fun news series called Donkey Hodie coming to PBS Kids on May 3. The show is about a sweet little donkey with a can-do attitude and, according to the Rudman brothers, kids are going to absolutely love it.

Fred Rogers’ Productions has teamed up with Spiffy Pictures, the company behind Nature Cat, to bring a quirky character to life. Donkey Hodie was originally a character featured in Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood from 1968 to 1993. In the new series, the original character makes a return as “Grampy Hodie” and hands over the reigns to his spunky little granddaughter, the new Donkey Hodie. “I think kids will really love Donkey’s perseverance, positive optimistic, doesn’t give up,” Adam tells Romper. “She’s really funny. Kids will enjoy watching her.”

In the show, Donkey and her friends find themselves getting into situations where they have to work together and persevere to solve their problems, with hilarious results that will empower kids to be resilient as well. “[Families] will be rooting for Donkey to succeed,” David, who also designed all of the puppets featured in the new series, tells Romper. “She’s so full of hope and so optimistic, people will want her to make her dreams come true.”

While Donkey Hodie is a new show, it features at least one familiar voice; the Cookie Monster puppeteer voices both Bob Dog and Grampy Hodie.

In an exclusive clip shared with Romper ahead of the show’s premiere, little fans are introduced to Donkey Hodie’s hilarious group of pals along with some clever Easter Eggs for Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood fans. And the songs are pretty terrific as well.

While he loves voicing both characters, the upbeat little donkey is not exactly like Cookie Monster, who he has been voicing since 1985. “Donkey has a very different vibe from Cookie Monster,” David says. “Donkey feels a lot more like a Spiffy Pictures vibe, like our show Nature Cat. Donkey is all about physical comedy, fun, and an endearing character everyone’s rooting for. “

Each episode of Donkey Hodie, aimed at kids between the ages of 3 to 5, will also feature original music — new songs along with reimagined songs from the original Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood series. You can catch the premiere of Donkey Hodie on Monday, May 3 on PBS Kids.

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Signs You’re Pregnant While Breastfeeding Can Be Easy To Miss, Experts Say

For the most part, breastfeeding is going well between you and your baby. She (finally) has a good latch, and things are, well, flowing. So it might come as a surprise when seemingly out of nowhere, you hit a breastfeeding roadblock. Could a potential baby bump be to blame? Yes, you can get pregnant again while breastfeeding. Nursing isn’t a safe form of birth control, and as such, you should be aware of the signs that your body is sending both you and your baby that another sibling is already on the way.

Breastfeeding As Birth Control

Many assume that when you are breastfeeding, getting pregnant is not a possibility, and some might even use nursing as a form of birth control, but you can get pregnant while you’re breastfeeding. “There is definitely some truth to the idea of using breastfeeding as a method of pregnancy spacing,” Dr. Heather Skanes, MD, an OB/GYN in Birmingham, AL tells Romper. “Infant suckling on the nipple alters the hypothalamus production of hormones necessary for ovulation, which means it keeps progesterone levels low.”

But if you’re going to use breastfeeding as birth control, you need to know how to do it. It’s called the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM), and according to the study, “Postpartum Sexuality and the Lactational Amenorrhea Method for Contraception”, it’s a highly effective way of preventing pregnancy. In order for it to be effective, though, three criteria must be met: First, you can’t have had your period since you delivered your baby; you’re exclusively breastfeeding (no 3:00 a.m. bottles); and third, you must be less than six months postpartum. Why? “LAM becomes less effective after six months postpartum,” Dr. Skanes explains. “This is because typically additional nutrition is added to the infant diet around 4-6 months and breastfeeding decreases which leads to return of menses and/or ovulation. But for women who meet these criteria, this method is about 98% effective at preventing pregnancy.” So if you’d like to postpone getting pregnant past six months postpartum, you might need to consider an alternative contraceptive method.

Breastfeeding During Pregnancy

If you think you’ll have to stop nursing once you find that you’re pregnant, think again. It’s totally possible to continue breastfeeding while pregnant,” Dr. Samantha Radford, Ph.D., a chemist with a focus on public health, tells Romper. “You probably couldn't sustain enough supply to keep an exclusively breastfeeding infant fed, but you can certainly continue to nurse a toddler or preschooler!”

The problem is that some pregnancy symptoms are easy to miss when you’re nursing, or you might attribute them to a pending period. “Of course, breastfeeding moms can have all the usual signs of early pregnancy... queasiness, moodiness, and so forth,” says Dr. Radford. “But there can be other signs specific to breastfeeding.”

Signs of Pregnancy

You’re Producing Less Breast Milk

One of the biggest ways to know that you’re expecting baby number two (or four) is that you’re making less breast milk. “You may have a drop in milk supply, even during early pregnancy,” says Dr. Radford. More often than not, the decrease in milk production is due to hormonal changes, per La Leche League. If you experience this, you might need to speak to your child’s pediatrician or a lactation consultant to ensure that your child is getting the nourishment he needs.

Your Breasts Are Sore

If your nipples suddenly hurt to the touch, don’t blame your breastfeeding babe. It might actually be a pregnancy that’s the cause. “If you have raw, sore nipples, you might be pregnant,” says Dr. Radford. “The problem is that this can also occur with PMS, so it's easy to confuse pregnancy with an approaching period.”

Your Breast Milk Might Change In Taste

While your baby might not notice it right away, the taste of your breast milk will change during pregnancy. “Another possible sign of pregnancy is if your baby is less interested in breastfeeding due to the fact that the milk often changes and some babies don't like the taste,” Andrea Tran, RN, IBCLC , a registered nurse and lactation consultant, tells Romper. If your baby is suddenly squirming when it’s time to nurse, you might want to confirm if you’re pregnant or not.

Or Your Baby Doesn’t Want To Nurse At All

Yet another pregnancy symptom you might experience is a sudden (and strange) aversion to nursing. That’s right, even if breastfeeding is going well, you might become agitated by it or want to stop nursing altogether. “One of the most bothersome signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding is nursing aversion and agitation — a severe irritation or even rage while your child is nursing,” explains Dr. Radford. “Staying well rested and hydrated can at least partially alleviate nursing aversion, but that can be hard with a baby or toddler.” You might want to speak to your doctor about this issue, especially if you want to continue nursing.

Of course you cannot be sure whether or not you’re pregnant until you’ve taken a pregnancy test and have it confirmed with a medical provider, but knowing the signs that you could be pregnant even though you are still breastfeeding can help you prepare for your future and decipher nursing irregularities.

Studies referenced:

Labbok, M., ““Postpartum Sexuality and the Lactational Amenorrhea Method for Contraception” 2015.

Experts and sources:

Dr. Heather Skanes, MD, an ob/gyn in Birmingham, AL

Dr. Samantha Radford, Ph.D Chemist

Andrea Tran, RN, IBCLC , a registered nurse and lactation consultant

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Josh Duggar Arrested, Charged With Possessing & Receiving Child Pornography

Days after announcing he and his wife Anna are expecting their seventh child together, former 19 Kids and Counting star Josh Duggar was arrested in Arkansas and indicted on two federal charges of receiving and possessing child pornography.

Duggar, 33, was arrested by Homeland Security on Thursday and booked in Washington County jail, according to public records. In a virtual court appearance on Friday, he pleaded not guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The official press release detailing the arrest was posted by the U.S. Attorney Office of the Western District of Arkansas on Friday, but was later deleted.

Duggar is accused of using the internet to download child sexual abuse in May 2019. Some of the images depicted the sexual abuse of children under the age of 12, according to the press release.

Duggar declined to have the judge read him his charges, The Wrap reported, and in a statement to the Associated Press, Duggar’s attorneys — Justin Gelfand, Travis W. Story and Greg Payne — said the former reality TV star plans to “defend this case aggressively and thoroughly.”

"Josh Duggar has been charged in a two-count indictment,” the statement read. “He has pled not guilty to both charges and we intend to defend this case aggressively and thoroughly. In this country, no one can stop prosecutors from charging a crime. But when you're accused, you can fight back in the courtroom — and that is exactly what Josh intends to do,"

The case is being prosecuted in part by the national initiative Project Safe Childhood, a program started in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat child exploitation and abuse. Duggar’s bond hearing is scheduled for May 5. If granted, he will be allowed to go home, but minors cannot be in the home, according to the Arkansas Fox affiliate, KNWA.

On April 24, Duggar and his wife Anna had announced on Instagram that they’re expecting another child. “It’s a GIRL!!!!!” Anna captioned the post. “We are overjoyed to announce baby seven is on the way and we can’t wait to hold her in our arms this fall!”

Shortly after news broke about Duggar’s arrest, a number of family members have reacted with shock and sadness. Duggar's younger sister Jill and her husband, Derick Dillard, told PEOPLE in a statement, “We just found out this information yesterday. It is very sad.

Josh is the oldest son of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. He was pulled from the TLC show in 2015 after confessing to his parents that he molested four of his sisters and a babysitter. Duggar apologized, but he was never charged for those accusations. He was also never considered a sex offender because the crimes were committed while he was a teenager. “We pray that in this he comes to complete repentance and sincere change,” his parents said in a statement at the time.

On Friday, Jim Bob and Michelle told Page Six they view the charges against their son as “very serious.” “We appreciate your continued prayers for our family at this time,” they said in a statement. “The accusations brought against Joshua today are very serious.”

If convicted, The New York Times reports that Duggar faces up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $250,000 on each count. A trial date is set for July 6.

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10 Dreams That Predict Pregnancy

For some people, the first sign of a pregnancy could come to them in a dream. There are some types of dreams that people believe predict pregnancy — or at least, if anything, they're an indication that you're thinking about it. But are your dreams really an indicator you have (or want to have) a bun in the oven? It all depends on how you interpret these nightly visions.

Dream interpretation can be approached in different ways. First, some dream interpreters see symbols in dreams as a very personal and individualized experience. “I look at dreams from a psychological perspective,” Layne Dalfen, Dream Analyst and author of Have A Great Dream, tells Romper via phone. “It’s what your associations are that counts.”

For example, say a person dreams about fish. A person who keeps an aquarium and has pleasant associations with fish would interpret the symbol very differently than someone who is extremely allergic to eating seafood. When you approach dream interpretation this way, it’s all about your own experiences with various symbols and what they mean to you personally.

It’s generally important to keep an open mind and think symbolically when interpreting dreams, especially when it comes to pregnancy. “Your dreams are a reflection of your day. In fact, they can be brutally honest commentary! Except they speak to us in metaphors rather than in literal language,” Lauri Quinn Loewenberg, Professional Dream Analyst, tells Romper via email.

Whatever you believe about dreams and their interpretations, here are some ways an early pregnancy may just make itself known in your subconscious overnight. (Or, you know, during a mid-day nap. Thanks, hormones.)

Dreams About Fish

In some cases, those who are expecting may dream about underwater creatures. “If you dream of fish, tadpoles, or other small water dwelling creatures, it can certainly be a message to you from your body that you are pregnant,” explains Loewenberg. “These water-dwelling creatures symbolize the embryo thriving within the amniotic fluid. In my first trimester, I dreamed of fish like crazy.”

Dreams About Snakes

Depending on your feelings about reptiles, this symbol might be pretty unnerving. But dreaming about snakes is sometimes seen as a sign of pregnancy, as noted by Baby Med. Romper previously reported that there could also be a link between snake dreams and pregnancy thanks to the reptile’s penis-like shape. (I mean, they don’t call it the one-eyed snake for no reason.) If these animals are slithering through your dreams, it wouldn’t hurt to take a pregnancy test.

Dreams About Maternal Figures

Maternal symbols in your dreams could be another indicator of an impending pregnancy. “Dreaming of your own mother or other popular mothers such as Madonna — whose name means mother — or Angelina Jolie can also be a sign of pregnancy as they represent your upcoming role of mother,” says Loewenberg. “It's a particularly good sign if they are a helpful or positive character in your dreams as that is a sign of things going well!”

Dreams About Eating An Apple

This simple fruit can hold a lot of symbolic meaning. In particular, dreaming about eating an apple may symbolize early pregnancy or even suggest peak fertility, as Dream-Meaning noted. Perhaps your desire for conception has come to fruition, or it’s about to.

Dreams About Planting Vegetables

“Fruits, veggies, vines and other flora are common in our early pregnancy dreams as they represent fertility, being ‘fruitful’ and multiplying,” says Loewenberg.

It looks like a lot of pregnancy symbols relate to agriculture and harvests, specifically when it comes to planting them. As noted by Dream Stop, the act of planting vegetables in your dreams could be a sign that you’ll have a pregnancy to announce sooner rather than later.

Dreams About Seeds

Sowing or planting actual seeds could signify the fact that you’re about to grow something other than a garden. (Yeah, the symbolism here isn't too difficult to figure out.) Seeds are sometimes a sign of pending pregnancy in dreams, as noted by Guide to Dreams. Also pay attention if you're scattering seeds or filling a bird feeder in one of your dreams, too.

Dreams About Going For A Walk

Do you dream about taking long hikes or even going for a stroll around the neighborhood? Dreams about walking may be representative of an impending long journey — especially at the beginning of pregnancy — as noted by Aunty Flo. Those nine months are quite the journey for most moms, after all.

Dreams About Falling Rain

Stormy dreams might mean big changes in your life. Falling rain in dreams can represent fertility, as noted by Dream Stop. The site also reported that dreams about rain could be indicative of challenges to come, and pregnancy can certainly fit the bill there as well. Either way, dreams about rain definitely give new meaning to the term baby shower.

Dreams About Rabbits

Because of their speedy reproductive habits, rabbits are symbols of fertility in many cultures. So it isn't a big surprise that dreaming about rabbits may mean you have a new baby on the way, according to Dream Moods — specifically, a rabbit that’s hopping can mean you’ll soon be surrounded by children. Hopping or not, a different adorable creature might soon be in your life if you see bunnies in your sleep.

Dreams About Actual Pregnancy

Does dreaming about actual pregnancy mean that you’re expecting? Well, it depends — dreams can be tricky like that. “Dreaming of pregnancy could mean many things: maybe you’re eating too much and uncomfortable; maybe it has a symbolic meaning,” says Dalfen. Perhaps you’re about to give “birth” to a new idea or project, for instance.

On the other hand, it could be a literal interpretation as well. “If you are trying to get pregnant and dream of being pregnant, babies, finding babies, etc. it absolutely can be a sign you're pregnant or it can be your subconscious putting you in that reality so you will keep trying — a dress rehearsal so to speak,” explains Loewenberg.

However you interpret them, dreams can have a lot to say about your current life, as well as the role any future children may play in it.

Experts:

Layne Dalfen, Dream Analyst and author of Have A Great Dream

Lauri Quinn Loewenberg, Professional Dream Analyst

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10 Stylish Finds That Support Every Mom In Your Life This Mother’s Day

Convince me I’m wrong: The mother figures in our lives are actual queens, deserving of all the love and support on Mother’s Day and every day. It wasn’t until I became a mom myself that I realized just how much goes into the role aside from, you know, raising a tiny human. When you enter that community of motherhood, you see how many moms assume other roles, too, from teacher and personal chef to nurse, chauffeur, and more. And while exhausting, we moms don’t hesitate to play as many parts as we need to for our kids, only to wake up and do it all over again the next day.

But there’s more. A mother also assumes the role of an entire support system, lifting their family up on rough days, cheering them on through the good and the difficult, and offering unwavering TLC. Moms offer the kind of hugs that make you feel at home. They tell you it’s okay and you’re safe, even when they feel scared themselves. Moms help mend broken hearts, even as their own breaks on your behalf. Let’s be real — nobody’s got your back quite like your mom, and thanking her for that with the ultimate Mother’s Day gift can feel like a lot of pressure.

That’s why we’re officially making this the Mother’s Day to show mothers they’re supported in return, today and always. We’ve teamed up with the support pros at ThirdLove to bring you stylish gift ideas that will lift Mom up and show your appreciation, whether that means lounging at home or hitting the town. Give the mother figure in your life a bit of that comfort they’ve shown you over the years. It’s easier than you think.

A Sleek Wear-Anywhere Athleisure Set

An Atmosphere-Setting Aromatherapy Diffuser

A Beach-Ready Cooler Tote Bag

A Heartfelt Monogrammed Momento

A Three-Piece Cozy Kit For New Mom Comfort

A Hand-Poured Candle With A Sense Of Humor

A Stunning Lace Set For Your Best Mom Friends

An Effortless Silky Jumpsuit

A Superfoods Latte Kit For Energized Mornings

And For The Self-Gifting Moment? An All-Of-The-Comfort, None-Of-The-Lines Set

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26 Harry Potter Mothers' Day Gifts Every Potterhead Mom Will Love

Have a mom who manages mischief like she’s working a spell? Does she love Harry Potter more than Dobby the House Elf loves socks? Then give her one of these 26 Harry Potter-themed Mother’s Day gifts.

One of the great reasons for going with a Harry Potter-themed Mother’s Day gift is that it promises so many amazing options. There are shirts and mugs and phone cases and jewelry. There’s even a set of Harry Potter cosmetic brushes?! Mom can do her makeup while working her magic — now that’s true wizardry right there. (Or just mom-level multitasking). The point is, moms make the world turn and if the mama in your life harbors Hufflepuff fantasies, dreams of riding a broom, or just prefers to spend her free-time rereading The Sorcerer’s Stone, she’ll love any one of these items.

Let’s face it, short of surprising her with tickets to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal Orlando, one or a handful of these Hogwarts-approved items will have to do. So break out some of those charm school lessons, obliviate her everyday exhaustion, and say thanks for all she does for you with a gift even a simpering Slytherin would love.

We only include products that have been independently selected by Romper's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

A Spellbinding T-Shirt

Sizes XS - XXXL

You have to be a real HP insider to get the joke here. Your mom will love it.

A Set of Harry Potter Makeup Brushes

Doing makeup can feel like it takes magical powers some days. Give mom an edge with this set of wand shaped cosmetic brushes.

A Pair of Hufflepuff Earrings

Available in all of the Hogwarts’ houses, your mom can show her allegiance to her favorite house with these charming earrings.

A Hogwarts House Specific Candle

While no one except J.K. Rowling can definitely say what Hogwarts smells like, why not pretend this charming candle is the fragrance of Hufflepuff’s quarters?

A Muggle Balloon Set

Sometimes a great balloon display can be gift enough. This “From Muggle to Mom” balloon display can surprise your Harry Potter-loving mama on Mother’s Day.

A Dobby Mug

Dobby the House Elf is one of the most beloved Harry Potter characters. And if your mom loves him too, then give her this made-for-Mother’s-Day mug.

A Jar of Bertie Bott Beans

The wizarding world’s favorite treat, you never know what you’re going to get with a Bertie Bott Bean. It might taste like blueberries, or it might taste like black pepper, and that’s all part of the fun.

A Harry Potter-Themed Notebook

Does your mom love to keep lists, or is constantly looking for a place to take a note? Then give her a useful gift that’s based on her Potterhead fandom with this charming notebook.

A Harry Potter House Box Set

It’s likely your mom already has a complete set or two of the Harry Potter series. But does she have one bound in the Hogwarts house of her choice? Pick her favorite, like this Gryffindor set, so she can display them in style.

A Muggle Mama T-Shirt

Sizes S - 4XL

Does the mom in your life refer to her children as Muggles? Then perhaps this T-shirt will make her Mother’s Day.

A Mischief Managed iPhone Cover

If your mom seemingly makes problems disappear with just a click of a button, she needs a cellphone cover that speaks to her spell work.

Harry Potter Time Turner Spinner Necklace

Inscribed with "I mark the hours, every one, nor have I yet outrun the sun,” this HP necklace is a beautiful gift for a super fan.

A Marauder's Map Scarf

The marauder's map is a magical document that reveals every nook and cranny in Hogwarts. What mama wouldn’t want to keep that on hand (or in this case, wrapped around her neck)?

A Decorative Pillow Set

If your mom can’t get enough of Harry Potter, she surely would love to decorate her home with icons from the books. This four-piece set of pillowcases features the sorting hat, Harry’s glasses, and other signature symbols.

Recycled Harry Potter Book Purse

Pocketbook takes on a whole new shape with this book cover purse covered in your choice of Harry Potter title. Talk about cashing in on a trend.

A Kitty Potter Mug

Does your mom love spinoff Harry Potter art as much as she loves the series? This purrfect mug, featuring a kitty version of Harry Potter, is just what she needs.

A Custom Wizard Illustration

Take your Harry Potter-themed Mother’s Day gift next level with a customized piece of art. This Etsy vendor can make your mama into a Hogwarts student in a darling illustration you can print at home then frame on your own.

A Golden Snitch Book Light

A late-night HP reader surely needs a good book light. This one is the shape of a Golden Snitch. Doesn’t get any more on-theme than that.

A Pott Head Planter

Pott Head means something different to HP fans. Let your mom in on the joke with this cute flower pot she can grow, well, whatever she wants in.

A Pack of Harry Potter Cat Stickers

Does your mom love to decorate her planner with stickers or pack lunches with a fun sticker? Give her a set she’ll love: cat Harry Potter stickers.

Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit

Test your mom’s Harry Potter knowledge with Trivial Pursuit. Sure she talks a big game worthy of a Quidditch match, but how will she hold up when quizzed?

A Coloring Book To Pass The Time

Coloring can be a very therapeutic exercise, even for adults who have long let go of their 64 box of crayons. Let mom tap into this childhood past-time coloring scenes from her favorite stories.

A Harry Potter UNO Deck

Game night just got a little more magical thanks to this Harry Potter UNO deck. If your mom loves to get competitive, she’ll appreciate this game.

A Hogwarts Themed Wall Clock

Tell her to take some time out for herself with this darling Harry Potter clock featuring a Hogwarts landscape. At 23 inches, it’ll make a statement she’ll appreciate.

A Harry Potter-Inspired Bookmark

Avid Harry Potter readers need good bookmark to enjoy the series. And these bookmarks by artist Gigi Murakami reimagine Harry Potter characters to make them more inclusive. A great addition to any HP fan’s collection.

A Harry Potter Luggage Cart Pin

If your mom likes to rep her HP love, but in a quiet, chic way, this darling lapel pin says “I’ll beat you in Harry Potter trivia” without saying it out loud.

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Can You Go Down A Water Slide If You’re Pregnant? Experts Weigh In

It’s hot. Kids are bored. It’s cool at the water park. Naturally, many families may be planning some water park fun this summer. But if you’re pregnant, is that such a good idea? Can pregnant women do water slides? Sure, the laws of gravity clearly indicate that they can go down a water slide, but experts weigh in on whether they should or not and what the risks are of going down a water slide when you’re expecting.

“The safest answer is no,” Dr. Melissa Walsh, an OB/GYN attending physician at Northwest Medical Center tells Romper, and there’s a very good reason why.

Risks of Riding a Water Slide While Pregnant

“In pregnancy, water slides pose a risk to the growing fetus in any trimester due to their potential for sudden or high-impact movements on the body, the possibility of crashing into someone else or vice versa, or a slip and fall,” says Dr. Walsh. “The force of the impact of these movements or scenarios could cause a condition called placental abruption, where the placenta prematurely separates from the uterus. This risk for this condition increases as the pregnancy advances as well as with the strength of the force of impact which is influenced by the heights of the slides.”

Hence, big water slides are a no-go.

Water Park Exceptions That Pregnant People Can Enjoy

Kid-sized slides, however, are not off the table.

“Not all water slides are created equal, and slides your very young child would do (i.e. toddler slides) would be less likely to pose a risk,” Dr. Jennifer Lew, MD, an OB/GYN at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital tells Romper via email. If your 2-year-old wants a pregnant person to join them on a baby slide, that’s probably fine. That said, Dr. Lew tells pregnant people to ask themselves the following question: “Is there a chance I could hit my pregnant abdomen at any time during the slide?”

If the answer is yes, it’s best to avoid that slide.

A good alternative for pregnant women who find themselves at a water park this spring or summer is to opt for more low impact activities. Think lazy river floats or splash pad areas for little children. A pregnant person could soak and sun there, but it’s still important to remember that fast water slides aren’t the only threats a water park poses to a pregnant person.

Additional Water Park Risks For Pregnant Parents

Sunburn and Falls

“Falls are also a concern, since the ground is often slippery, and this is one of the most common problems we see during pregnancy,” Lew says. Slippery surfaces need to be considered, but so should the sun.

“Make sure you use sunscreen,” Sarah Kurtz, a Certified Nurse Midwife at the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center says. “When you are pregnant, you are more likely to get a sunburn due to hormones.”

Many women notice skin changes while pregnant which can include something called melasma, “brown patches on the face around the cheeks, nose, and forehead,” the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist states. This condition has been found to be photosensitive, according to a study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology. “Melasma and post inflammatory hyper pigmentation (PIH) are exacerbated by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays and visible light making sunscreen use an essential component of treatment,” the study explains. Thus the need to break out the SPF prior to any water park outing.

With little shade and the reflection off a park’s many water features, this is something an expectant mother must keep in mind.

And remember, the thrill of launching your body down a shoot of water will still be there post-pregnancy. To keep you and your baby safe, there are plenty of healthy, cooling activities pregnant women can participate in.

“In general, pregnancy is a normal and healthy state of life,” says Kurtz. “ If you were used to doing an activity before you were pregnant then likely you can continue to do it. Examples include walking, running, swimming, bike-riding, and weightlifting.”

Hear that? You’ve got the go-ahead to swim. Stick to the pools and save the water slides for next season.

Experts:

Jennifer Lew, MD, OB/GYN at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital

Melissa Walsh, MD, FACOG, a board-certified OB/GYN Attending Physician at Northwest Medical Center

Sarah Kurtz, Certified Nurse Midwife, University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Women's Health

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What Should Your Baby Wear To Sleep In The Summer? Probably Less Than You Think

Dressing a baby for nighttime sleep can be a surprisingly stressful task: will he be too hot in this or too cold in that? Since professional advice across the board warns against putting a blanket over an infant to sleep, deciding on the right sleepwear is the only factor you can safely control. So with warmer days on the horizon, what do you need to stock your baby’s closet with so they can sleep comfortably?

Creating The Optimal Sleep Environment In The Summer

Before you figure out what baby should sleep in, it’s important to consider the temperature of the room they’re in, whether they’re in their own nursery or still bunking with mom and dad. “In the summer time, attempt to keep the sleep area 68 degrees Fahrenheit to 72 degrees Fahrenheit,” says Lydia Yeager, CPNP-PC and Director of Care Management at Ryan Health, in an interview with Romper. If temperatures are below that range, she says the baby may wake more frequently in the night. In hot temperatures well above that range, there is amore serious issue. “Studies have shown that when babies become overheated, they are at increased risk for SIDS,” Yeager says.

Of course, it’s simply not always possible to keep their room within that optimal temperature range. If baby’s sleeping environment is well below or above that, you may need to add or subtract layers. Most monitors have a handy temperature gauge so you can stay informed about the temperature in baby’s room at all hours of the night.

Dressing Your Baby For Safe Sleep In The Summer

Jeanne Faulkner, a nurse and host of Common Sense Pregnancy and Parenting Podcast, tells Romper that a good rule of thumb is to dress your baby in one layer more than you'd wear if you were sleeping in the same room. Faulkner assures parents that on warm nights in rooms without air conditioning, a single onesie is likely enough to keep baby comfortable. If the room is air conditioned, of course, another layer will likely be called for.

We only include products that have been independently selected by Romper's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

When you’re selecting your infant’s sleepwear, there is one other safety factor to keep in mind. “Make sure there are no strings, ties, or tags from the pajamas that could possible be choking hazards,” says Yeager. “Additionally, be sure not to overdress your baby and that their face or head is not covered by any clothing.”

Swaddling In The Summer

If your baby is a newborn, you might still be choosing to swaddle to help contain their startle reflex, in which case lightweight swaddling blankets are popular and easy to find. Because these swaddles add an extra layer, you may want to skip the footie pajamas and instead dress baby in a lightweight, short-sleeved bodysuit to ensure they don’t get overly warm.

Once baby starts showing any signs of rolling, it’s time to drop the swaddle. “When babies roll on their stomach while swaddled, they may not be able to return to the back position, and the airway can become obstructed, leading to suffocation,” explains an article from the National Institute for Children’s Health Quality.

How To Tell If Baby Is Too Warm

If you think you might be piling too much material on your baby, you're not alone. Heather Turgeon, author of The Happy Sleeper: The Science-Backed Guide to Helping Your Baby Get a Good Night's Sleep- Newborn to School Age, wrote for Babble, "One of the most common missteps we see in sleep consultations is people overdressing their babies. There’s a misconception that warmer equals sleepier, but the opposite tends to be true."

Whether you’re in the hottest part of summer or you’re blasting the heater in the dead of winter, it’s important to make sure your baby isn’t getting overheated. “Sweating, rapid breathing, wet hair, heat rash, and your child feeling too warm are signs that they may be too warm,” says Yeager. As previously mentioned, increased temperatures have been linked to an increased risk of SIDS, so staying vigilant is about more than simply comfort.

In a warm room, it can seem strange ­­— or even neglectful! — to put baby down in minimal clothing without a blanket. Turgeon noted that while adults are accustomed to being fully covered while they sleep (and tend to project that preference onto their babies), infants don't know the difference and don't mind having their toes and legs exposed in appropriate temperatures. She likened it to our preference for using pillows, which babies are perfectly comfortable doing without.

Dressing your baby for summer sleep should be determined by your regional climate, temperature of your house, and presence of an air conditioner, so there's no one-size-fits-all answer for every family. But according to the professionals: when in doubt, less is more. As overheating can be dangerous for babies, you should err on the side of fewer layers — you can always add more if your baby seems chilly or uncomfortable.

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Katie Sorensen’s Viral Kidnapping Allegations: What Moms Need To Know

When mother and social-media influencer Katie Sorensen shared frightening allegations of an attempted kidnapping in December of 2020, her story quickly went viral, sparking renewed conversations about child trafficking. Within days, however, Petaluma police announced the allegation was without merit. Months later, on April 29, Sonoma County prosecutors announced Sorensen will face two misdemeanor charges, including giving false information to the police, and may face up to a year in jail.

The charges stem from an event Sorensen claimed happened at a Michael’s store on Dec. 7. “My children were the targets of attempted kidnap,” Sorensen said in a now-deleted video uploaded to her @motherhoodessentials Instagram account (which has also been deleted). “I want to share that story with you in an effort to raise awareness.” Sorensen claimed a man and woman, later identified as Sadie and Eddie Martinez, parents of five, followed her into the store after observing her loading her 4-year-old son and 1-year-old daughter into their stroller in the parking lot. Sorensen told local Fox affiliate KTVU she heard the couple commenting on her children's physical features while she shopped, but ultimately didn't confront them or say anything about their behavior as she was "paralyzed with fear."

Sorensen alleged that the couple followed them out of the store and into the parking lot, where the man reached out toward Sorensen "as if to grab the stroller," KTVU reported. That's when Sorensen said she yelled for help, causing the couple to take off in a car.

In a press release put out at the time, the Petaluma Police Department confirmed Sorensen came to them to report "suspicious behavior exhibited by two adults" but said her Instagram videos contained "information" and "inconsistencies" Sorensen had not disclosed to them. Later, local law enforcement said they found “no evidence or witnesses” to corroborate her allegations.

Public backlash was swift, with many, including the couple in question, accusing the influencer of racial profiling (the Martinezes are Latinx). Police also noted that Sorensen had told them she "did not want anyone arrested" and instead merely wanted "to draw attention to the concerning behavior."

But according to reporting from the Argus Courier, the Martinezes have campaigned for months for Sorensen to face consequences for her false and very public accusations against them. Sadie, who was appointed to Petaluma’s citizen-led advisory committee on policing and race relations in the wake of the charges, told the Courier, “We’re very happy with the news. It’s a nice step toward justice. It gives you hope.”

Sorensen has been charged with two misdemeanor counts of making a false report of a crime and her arraignment is scheduled for May 13. According to KSRO, each charge has a “maximum penalty of six months in prison.”

Stories of alleged attempted kidnapping are alarming for any parent to hear, and it's not altogether surprising that Sorensen's videos garnered millions of views before she made them private. But just how frequently do kidnappings like the one she described occur? Statistics show that such abductions are quite rare.

Kidnappings Facilitated By Strangers Or People Unrelated To A Child Are Rare

An abduction attempt like the one Sorensen described, in which strangers make an effort to take a child, is classified as a non-family abduction or stereotypical abduction. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), non-family abductions are the rarest type of missing children cases, making up just 1% of the missing children cases reported to the organization.

Data from the FBI has also shown the rarity of non-family abductions. In 2019, the FBI told Reuters that fewer than 350 people age 21 or younger had been abducted by strangers per year since 2010. In fact, the FBI reported that abduction by a stranger accounted for just 0.1% of juvenile disappearances in cases where the circumstances of the disappearances are recorded.

A Majority Of Missing Children Are Not Abducted

More than 95% of missing juvenile cases end up being a situation where the person in question ran away on their own, the FBI told Reuters. This statistic is consistent with data from the Polly Klaas Foundation, a nonprofit formed in 1993 to assist in the recovery of missing children and the prevention of crimes against children.

According to the Polly Klass Foundation, roughly 90% of missing-child cases stem from situations in which children have run away, gotten lost, misunderstood directions, or failed to properly communicate their plans to adults. In contrast, the Polly Klass Foundation has reported that approximately 100 children — representing only a fraction of 1% — are kidnapped by strangers each year.

Children Are More Likely To Be Kidnapped By A Family Member

Data from both the Polly Klass Foundation and NCMEC show that children are significantly more likely to be abducted by a family member or someone they know. This is also true in cases of child sex trafficking, according to Polaris Project, a nonprofit dedicated to combating human trafficking.

A Child May Be Most At Risk For Abduction Going To Or From School

Of course, while rare, non-family child abduction do happen, meaning it's important for parents and caregivers to know where children may be most at risk. According to an analysis of 10 years of attempted abductions NCMEC conducted, most attempted child abductions occurred while a child was going to or from school or other school-related activities. Subsequently, the analysis also found that the majority of abduction attempts occurred on the street.

As her story went viral, Sorensen told BuzzFeed News she'd taken her allegations of attempted kidnapping public in an effort to "encourage fellow parents to always remain vigilant.”

Additional reporting by Jamie Kenney.

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Beyoncé Was On Zoom With Kelly Rowland While She Gave Birth

Never doubt the sisterhood of Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé. The Destiny's Child alums and longtime besties are so close that Queen Bey made sure she was there for Rowland when she gave birth to her second child earlier this year. Distance and pandemic be damned!

During a recent interview on PEOPLE (The TV Show!), 40-year-old Rowland revealed that Beyoncé was on a Zoom call with her when she gave birth to her son, Noah Jon. The "Black Magic" singer and her husband, Tim Weatherspoon, welcomed their second son to the world on Jan. 21, joining their 6-year-old son Titan.

Rowland didn’t reveal any specific details about the Zoom call, but we can only imagine the joy of having Bey telling you to “push” and offering words of support between contractions. But what Rowland did share was that she remembered the moment as a beautiful one. “We had our family join on Zoom," she said during her appearance on PEOPLE (The TV Show!). “They were able to see Noah come into the world. It was beautiful.”

Also on the virtual reunion was another sister-friend and former Destiny’s Child member, Michelle Williams, as well as Beyoncé’s mom, Tina Knowles-Lawson (who is also like a mother to Rowland) and her husband’s mother. Rowland added that Williams and the Black Is King superstar are both “awesome, awesome, awesome, awesome” aunts to Noah.

Rowland and Bey’s bond extends way beyond Destiny’s Child. The two have been friends since they were kids. And they bth created a close bond with Williams when she joined the group in 2000, after original bandmates, LaTavia Roberson and LeToya Luckett left.

When they came to visit the newborn in February, the meeting was a heart-gushing one for the new mom of two.

“Being able to share space with Michelle and Bey is truly a gift," Rowland told Entertainment Tonight in a virtual interview on Feb.17. “It's really a gift because we've known each other for so long and the industry doesn’t really make friendships... It's the nature of it, and we still have each other after all these years... And I'm just so grateful for them and they are a highlight of my life.”

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Amy Schumer Reveals Her Sex Life As A Mom Has Changed A Lot

When they were married in 2018, Amy Schumer made headlines for her X-rated vows she made to her husband Chris Fischer at their Malibu wedding. Now three years later, the two are parents to son Gene, who turns 2 years old next month. And things have changed. In a chat with comedian and actor Kevin Hart for his podcast Comedy Gold Minds, Schumer revealed her sex life as a mom of a toddler is looking vastly different from those before times. Not to be presumptuous, but I think I just heard the faint sound of moms snickering softly to themselves all over the world.

The Trainwreck star and her chef husband welcomed Gene in May 2019, and unsurprisingly, becoming parents has made an impact on their sex lives. "Okay, truly, we probably have sex every seven to 10 days," Schumer told Hart. “And we do it and we go, 'God, that's so great. Like, we need to do that more.' And then we don't do it again for another seven to 10 days."

To be fair to Schumer and Fischer, if having sex once a week or so keeps them loving and close, then that’s enough. It’s all about intimacy and trust right? Besides, parenting isn’t the only element that has changed their sex life. It’s also her husband. "This happened the other day," she told Hart. "I go, 'Do you want to have sex?' And he makes this face...like, he kind of pictured it and winced."

He made a counter offer to have sex the next day. Her answer? “Great. Thank you. I feel really good.”

If you’ve ever seen an episode of Amy Schumer Learns To Cook on the Food Network, you’ve probably gotten some insight into her relationship with Fischer. They are funny and warm and loving even as they constantly tease each other. Intimacy comes in all shapes and sizes, and let’s face it. Sex after giving birth changes for moms for a whole host of reasons. Exhaustion, being touched out, and then there are the changes to your body. Or as Schumer so succinctly put it to Hart in that same interview, her vagina has changed, “It’s honestly just like, huge now and just garbage. It’s just street trash. Yeah, I would say my street trash p—-y is probably [the biggest change." So there is that.

The upside? Schumer now has a little boy who is funny and sweet and apparently only wears tap shoes around the house. This is parenting — you might find yourself having less sex, but you also get a great little human out of the deal.

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20 DIY Mother’s Day Gifts: Sweet Homemade Presents For Mom In 2021

Every year, my mom and mother-in-law tell me they don’t want anything for Mother’s Day. “Just a card,” they say. Over the years I’ve learned not to fight this, but to instead roll up my (or my kids’) sleeves to create some DIY Mother’s Day gifts for them. I figure, if they won’t send me a wish list, then they are subject to whatever present my crafty brain thinks up.

If you're in a similar situation where you don’t know what to get your mom, or even if you just want to keep your gift budget-friendly, there are all kinds of fun homemade Mother’s Day gifts that you can create. You don’t even have to be a master crafter to make something your mom will love, because there is no shortage of crafts for every skill level. Or, if all else fails, enlist your kids’ help and gift your mom with a cute finger-painting she will surely hang on her fridge with pride.

You’ll want to figure out exactly what DIY Mother’s Day gift you’re going to make before you go wandering around the aisles of Michael’s because otherwise, you’ll end up dropping a lot of money on things you probably don’t need (and you might even come up short of some things you actually do need). To come up with your plan, and shopping list, check out this list of homemade Mother’s Day gift ideas for all ages.

Photo Holder

Would you believe this cute little photo holder only takes five minutes to make? Well, that’s what Laura at A Beautiful Mess says, at least. All you need is some craft wire, wooden knobs, a small drill, and some superglue to create these cuties. Kids can definitely help with this project (like by painting the knobs), but don’t let them get their hands on that superglue.

Cross-Stitch Design

If you’ve ever considered learning how to cross-stitch, now is a good time! The Spruce Crafts has a bunch of great patterns for beginners, some of which your older kids might even want to try along with you.

Dream Catcher

Have a little kid with a love of unicorns? Help them create an adorable dream catcher like this one from Girl Loves Glam. This is still a great craft even for non-unicorn lovers because you can follow the same tutorial but skip the part where you glue on the horn and ears. If nothing else, your mom will definitely get a smile out of this gift.

Fingerprint Art Award

Give mom the award she deserves with these little ribbons from Handmade by Charlotte. They’re super easy for little kids to make, and all you need is some construction paper, glue, and paint to create them.

Paper Flowers

Paper flowers are a great craft for older kids or for you because they do take a little bit of skill that little ones just might not have quite yet. You can make your mom a little bouquet of paper flowers like these or you can go really big and create a garland for her to hang on the wall (you can get a how-to for this at The Craft Patch Blog). Either way, it’s a fun, colorful spin on the classic Mother’s Day bouquet.

T-Shirt Hanging Planter

All you need for this DIY gift is an old t-shirt and some scissors. Leslie over at Pink Stripey Socks, used an old tie-dye shirt from one of her kids to create this planter and it lends a fun rainbow-y touch to the project. This is a homemade Mother’s Day gift that your little ones can definitely help you out with, too.

Decorated Tin Can Pencil Holder

I know, I know, the idea of a tin can pencil holder isn’t exactly flashy, but it’s something your little kids can do and will feel really proud of when they’re done! If you’re looking for a way to elevate the look a little bit, check out the pretty ones Medina made at Grillo Designs and follow her how-to guide.

Homemade Yahtzee Game

For moms who love a good family game night, you and/or the kids can create your own DIY Yahtzee game with this tutorial from Lovely Indeed. All you have to do is make some pretty painted dice, craft a little shaker, and print out the scorecards at home. So easy.

Succulent Garden

If mom doesn’t have much of a green thumb, then skip the traditional Mother’s Day plant and opt for a little succulent garden instead. All you need is a large planter and a few different types of succulents to create an impressive, low-maintenance garden. If you need a little help, check out the how-to guide for making a desert-inspired garden from Succulent Studio.

Handprint Art

Does handprint art ever get old? Have your kids create a masterpiece with their handprints and some paint. There are all kinds of fun projects you can do with handprints, like these flowers in a vase from A Little Pinch Of Perfect. If you’re looking for a craft that you can do with your kids, handprint art is always a winner.

DIY Printable Mother’s Day Card

You can give your “all I want is a card” mom exactly what she wants this year but in a more personalized way. You can either make your own card from scratch (a little scrapbook paper will go a long way here) or you can opt to find a printable card. Amber Kemp-Gersiel at Damask Love has a cute one that reminds mom just how much of a superhero she is.

Door Hangers

You can make mom her very own customizable door hanger this Mother’s Day, and she will probably love it more than you know. DIY Candy has a tutorial for one that has a little chalkboard section so mom can write little messages like “I’m taking a nap” or “Shhh... watching The Handmaid’s Tale” on it when she needs a little privacy. All you need to make them are some unfinished wood planks, paint, string, beads, scrapbook paper, and some classic Mod Podge.

Spring Wreath

Wreaths can look really intimidating, but they’re a lot easier to make than they seem (this was my gateway craft if that tells you how easy they are). You can easily make your mom a pretty spring or summertime wreath like the one in this photo by going to the craft store and getting a bare twig wreath, a couple of fake flowers (make sure they have leaves), and some crafting wire. Once you get home, pull the flowers apart so that they’re not too long (wire cutters help here, but you don’t need them), twist some wire around them and then use it to attach them to the wreath. Quick, easy, and gorgeous.

Finger Painting Wall Art

Have your kiddo create a little masterpiece by fingerpainting a piece of paper. Once you feel like they’ve thoroughly covered the space, let it dry and then take a white piece of paper with a heart cutout in the center and lay it over the top of the page to create a cute little piece of wall art. For a mess-free method of doing this, check out this how-to from The Best Ideas For Kids.

Watermelon Flower Pots

How cute are these little planters from This Grandma Is Fun? All you need to make these are some small clay pots and some paint. If you want to go the extra mile, add some succulents so that she doesn’t have to do any of the planting herself and can just enjoy her sweet little present.

Fun Hair Clips

These hair clips are great for a mom who loves to have some fun with her accessories now and then, and according to Laura over at A Beautiful Mess, they’re super simple to make. All you need to create lookalikes are some large clips, ribbon, a hot glue gun, superglue, some loose pearls, and a novelty patch. You can get a little creative, though, and come up with a style or color scheme that you think your mom would love.

Bead Jewelry

Beaded jewelry is a classic craft for kids and adults, and any mom would love a bracelet that was handmade by her kids (or grandkids). There are a lot of different ways to make them, but the best ones are either elastic or with a clasp so that the risk of them breaking is low. For a how-to guide, check out Beading Jewelry 101.

Pop Of Color On Her Sun Hat

Pick up an inexpensive sun hat and some paint and you have everything you need to create your own version of this hat from The House That Lars Built. They opted to paint rings all around the inside of the hat’s brim, but you can get as creative as you want with different patterns, more or less colors, or just let your little kid go to town with their own design. Mom can wear it to the pool, when she’s gardening, or any other time she needs a little shade.

Homemade Bath Bombs

Did you know you can make your own bath bombs at home, and your kids can even help? Jen from Honestly Modern created a step-by-step guide for making your own bath bombs with kid-friendly ingredients (most of which you probably already have in your home). You might make a bit of a mess, but it’s a gift mom will genuinely love, so it’s totally worth it.

Pressed Flowers Bookmark

If your mom is an avid reader, then consider making her a beautiful bookmark with pressed flowers. This is a project that has a gorgeous finished product, but a super easy creation process. You can learn how to make your own from this how-to guide at Lovely Indeed.

Giving your mom a handmade Mother’s Day gift is always thoughtful, no matter what your age is. So, think about what she would genuinely like to get and then tap into your creative side to make her a one-of-a-kind present.

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